The term "Bantus" refers to a large group of over 500 closely related languages and the people who speak them, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The Bantu-speaking peoples are known for their agricultural practices, ironworking skills, and rich cultural traditions. They migrated across the continent, significantly influencing the demographics and cultures of regions such as Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Bantu languages belong to the larger Niger-Congo language family and include languages like Swahili, Zulu, and Xhosa. The Bantu expansion, which began around 1000 BCE, led to the spread of these languages and cultures, shaping the history and social structures of many African societies.